Kickback scheme defendant seeks shorter sentence

Oct. 31, 2013 - 11:09AM
|

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The mastermind of a kickback scheme that cost the Navy $18 million is asking a judge to sentence him to a split term of prison and community service, rather than the more than 10 years behind bars that prosecutors are seeking.

Ralph M. Mariano is set to be sentenced Friday in federal court in Providence. The former civilian employee of the Navy pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy, theft of government property and tax evasion. He's one of six people to plead guilty in the case.

The Providence Journal reports Mariano objects to prosecutorsí recommendation of prison time of 10 years or more, the top of sentencing guidelines. Prosecutors say Mariano has failed to take responsibility for his crimes since entering the plea.

Mariano's lawyer says his client has taken responsibility and should receive a lesser prison sentence along with community service hours that he called tantamount to "long-term, full-time, indentured servitude."